Frequently asked questions relating to the office of ombudsperson
Was ist eine Ombudsperson?
The word ombudsperson is derived from the Swedish word 'ombudsman'. It means 'the one who speaks for another'. The Swedish parliament established this function around 200 years ago. The ombudsperson mediates. They stand up for citizens who have not been able to resolve their complaint with the authorities.
The word ombudsperson is derived from the Swedish word 'ombudsman'. It means 'the one who speaks for another'. The Swedish parliament established this function around 200 years ago. The ombudsperson mediates. They stand up for citizens who have not been able to resolve their complaint with the authorities.
Who is the ombudsperson of the German-speaking Community?
The ombudsperson is appointed by the Parliament of the German-speaking Community for a term of office of six years. The same person may hold this mandate a maximum of two times. The Ombudsperson is independent, i.e. he or she does not report to any authority. The current Ombudsperson, Marlene Hardt, took office on April 1, 2017. Her office was extended by Parliament for a second term in 2024.
The ombudsperson is appointed by the Parliament of the German-speaking Community for a term of office of six years. The same person may hold this mandate a maximum of two times. The Ombudsperson is independent, i.e. he or she does not report to any authority. The current Ombudsperson, Marlene Hardt, took office on April 1, 2017. Her office was extended by Parliament for a second term in 2024.
What tasks does the ombudsperson have?
The Ombudsperson has the task of helping to realize a more open, more accessible and more customer-friendly administration. It can examine the actions of the administration, either on the basis of complaints submitted to it or at the request of the Bureau of Parliament. It tries to find concrete solutions to problems and reconcile the views of citizens and the administration. On the basis of investigations, it reports to Parliament and makes recommendations. The Ombudsperson also publishes a report every year.
The Ombudsperson has the task of helping to realize a more open, more accessible and more customer-friendly administration. It can examine the actions of the administration, either on the basis of complaints submitted to it or at the request of the Bureau of Parliament. It tries to find concrete solutions to problems and reconcile the views of citizens and the administration. On the basis of investigations, it reports to Parliament and makes recommendations. The Ombudsperson also publishes a report every year.
Who can lodge a complaint with the Ombudsman?
Anyone! This means every person concerned with a dispute underlying the complaint. Such persons may be natural persons, legal persons or interest groups.
Anyone! This means every person concerned with a dispute underlying the complaint. Such persons may be natural persons, legal persons or interest groups.
Is it possible to submit a complaint anonymously?
No. The ombudsperson handles the complaints in consultation with the complainant and the administration. It is therefore not possible to represent a person who does not wish to make themselves known.
No. The ombudsperson handles the complaints in consultation with the complainant and the administration. It is therefore not possible to represent a person who does not wish to make themselves known.
Which complaints can I lodge with the Ombudsman of the german-speaking Community?
The Ombudsman examines complaints concerning how the administrative authorities of the german-speaking Community, of the local authorities or of institutions of public needs function. Complaints concerning other administrative authorities - e.g. the federal State, the Walloon Region or public utility companies (railway, the postal service, etc.) are forwarded to the competent services. The Ombudsman of the german-speaking Community processes complaints that concern the actions and decisions of the administrative authorities to which the complainant objects. Complaints can also be lodged for the failure of an administrative authority to take action or the refusal to enforce a court decision.
The Ombudsman examines complaints concerning how the administrative authorities of the german-speaking Community, of the local authorities or of institutions of public needs function. Complaints concerning other administrative authorities - e.g. the federal State, the Walloon Region or public utility companies (railway, the postal service, etc.) are forwarded to the competent services. The Ombudsman of the german-speaking Community processes complaints that concern the actions and decisions of the administrative authorities to which the complainant objects. Complaints can also be lodged for the failure of an administrative authority to take action or the refusal to enforce a court decision.
Can I submit my complaint directly to the ombudsperson?
No. Before you can submit a complaint to the ombudsperson, you must first contact the administration or institution concerned and try to resolve the problem.
No. Before you can submit a complaint to the ombudsperson, you must first contact the administration or institution concerned and try to resolve the problem.
How can I lodge my complaint?
A complaint can be lodged verbal of written ( by e-mail, by post or online). The ombudswoman intervention is free of charge. The plaint of a legal person or a de facto corporation is introduced by an duly authorized individuel person.
A complaint can be lodged verbal of written ( by e-mail, by post or online). The ombudswoman intervention is free of charge. The plaint of a legal person or a de facto corporation is introduced by an duly authorized individuel person.
How should my complaint be formulated?
Try to be as clearly and complete as possible. Join any relevant document that might benefit the examination of your complaint. Do not send originals, but only copies of your documents!
Try to be as clearly and complete as possible. Join any relevant document that might benefit the examination of your complaint. Do not send originals, but only copies of your documents!
Can the ombudsvrouw refuse to process my complaint?
Yes. The ombudswoman may refuse to process anonymous complaints. She may also refuse to handle a complaint introduced one year after the events. Complaints that are clearly unfounded will not be processed. When the ombudswoman refuses to process your complaint, you will be given a reason for that decision. If your complaint is a matter of a judicial procedure, the ombudswoman shall suspend its examination.
Yes. The ombudswoman may refuse to process anonymous complaints. She may also refuse to handle a complaint introduced one year after the events. Complaints that are clearly unfounded will not be processed. When the ombudswoman refuses to process your complaint, you will be given a reason for that decision. If your complaint is a matter of a judicial procedure, the ombudswoman shall suspend its examination.
Does the ombudswoman process my complaint personally?
Yes.
Yes.
Does the ombudswoman give legal advice?
No. The Federal Ombudsman is neither your nor the administration's legal advisor.
No. The Federal Ombudsman is neither your nor the administration's legal advisor.
Does the ombudswoman request fees?
No. The ombudswoman processes complaints free of charge. You can reach her free of charge under the number 0800 987 59.
No. The ombudswoman processes complaints free of charge. You can reach her free of charge under the number 0800 987 59.
Wird die Frist, um vor Gericht zu ziehen, unterbrochen?
Nein. Die Frist um Einspruch vor Gericht einzureichen läuft weiter. Es gibt eine Ausnahme: Die Frist um eine Nichtigkeitsklage vor dem Staatsrat einzureichen, wird maximal vier Monate unterbrochen.
Nein. Die Frist um Einspruch vor Gericht einzureichen läuft weiter. Es gibt eine Ausnahme: Die Frist um eine Nichtigkeitsklage vor dem Staatsrat einzureichen, wird maximal vier Monate unterbrochen.